Table of contents for 2025-08-29 in DFA News

An accused, Douglas Mthukwane, who is facing multiple rape charges, was denied bail after he was slapped with fresh charges of allegedly raping his girlfriend at his residence four weeks ago. At the time of the commission of the offence, he was released on bail, pending three other rape charges that have yet to be finalised in the Northern Cape High Court. He appeared in the Kimberley magistrate’s court on August 27 during which his bail application was denied. His matter was postponed until October 1, when he will appear via an audiovisual recording link. SAPS Northern Cape spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Sergio Kock, stated that the Kimberley SAPS Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences unit was investigating a rape that allegedly occurred on August 1 at approximately 7.30 am…

I wonder when would be a good time to start panicking. Things are spiralling all around us in good ol’ Mzansi, and though we may believe that things are not so bad, I am afraid that if something isn’t done, pretty soon it will be. Maybe it’s the fact that incidents of violence are spread out across the country that gives us a false sense of security, an illusion that we’re still OK, or that it won’t take much of an effort to fix this. Recently, a Gauteng principal was stabbed while trying to break up a fight between learners. Then, in Klerksdorp, a video went viral showing several pupils attacking a teacher, throwing objects at him, and drenching him with water. One commentator, in the wake of that incident,…

PATIENTS have cited a shortage of equipment at Ma Doyle clinic in Galeshewe, including blood pressure machines, oxygen machines, blood glucose tests, pregnancy tests and HIV/Aids tests. A patient said that they had experienced shortages for the past four months. “Children and elderly patients are made to wait the whole day only to find out that there are no tools of trade.” National Public Service Workers Union (NPSWU) provincial organiser Thapelo Thole said that Ma Doyle clinic was given two “do-it-yourself blood pressure machines” meant for home use instead of proper medical equipment after the previous blood pressure machines broke. “These machines were not designed for heavy workloads.” He stated that after 20 uses, the machines produced false and unreliable readings thereby compromising both medical staff and patients. “This…

Every weekend across South Africa, talented young athletes take to fields, courts, and tracks, pouring their hearts into a dream, a dream to represent their country one day. Yet, as I watch these young stars push themselves beyond their limits, one question keeps echoing in my mind: Where is the support from our government departments? We often celebrate our world-class athletes when they achieve greatness on the international stage, but we seldom acknowledge the journey it took to get there. The truth is that many of our top sportsmen and women succeeded despite a lack of resources, not because of them. For every Springbok or Protea we proudly claim, there are hundreds of gifted youngsters whose potential was never realised because the system failed them. Talent alone does not create…

Civic groups, political parties and trade unions are calling for the suspension of Sol Plaatje municipal manager Thapelo Matlala, after a media exposé linked him to allegations of undue influence and tenders for friends. According to the Public Protector Northern Cape provincial representative Mlungisi Khanya, the investigation into alleged irregular payments made to service providers by Sol Plaatje municipality, was still continuing. Tenders under the spotlight include a R25.8 million tender for the upgrading of the Eagle Street and Legaeng pump stations in Roodepan as well as an electrification project in Lerato Park in 2021. The former acting director of infrastructure and services, Phetole Sithole, was suspended in 2023, shortly after he refused to approve a R4.2 million payment due to the apparent non-compliant status of a contractor and suspicions…

With just two rounds left, the Cheetahs and Griquas meet in a central derby that could decide home semi-final places in the 2025 Currie Cup With just two rounds left in the 2025 Carling Currie Cup Premier Division, the battle for semi-final spots is wide open. This weekend’s fixtures could prove decisive, starting with a high-stakes clash in Bloemfontein this evening. However, the action elsewhere in the country will be no less nailbiting. Today: Cheetahs vs Griquas Log leaders Toyota Cheetahs will host third-placed Suzuki Griquas at 5pm in Bloemfontein. Both teams are pushing for a home semi-final, and the derby carries extra weight with only one round remaining after this. Cheetahs assistant coach Tiaan Liebenberg, who once played for the Peacock Blues, said they were under no illusions about…

The Kyokushin Karate Sako Juku Academy once again proved its students' strength and dedication to excellence when 22 of the club's karateka travelled to Cape Town on August 15 to compete in a prestigious national karate championship. Led by 7th Dan black belt Kancho Lawrence Booi, the academy showcased both skill and spirit, returning home with an impressive haul of 25 medals, five gold, seven silver, and nine bronze. The event, which drew 250 participants from across the country, set a high standard of competition. Booi described the quality as exceptional, saying it felt more like a world championship tournament. “The standard of competition was really good, and the judges were friendly and fair. It was a really good experience for us, especially as this was the first time our…

TWO ELECTRICIANS employed at Umsombomvu municipality were released on bail of R500 each after they were arrested in Cradock in the Eastern Cape, where they were found in the possession of electrical appliances and cables believed to be the property of the municipality. It is believed that they were in the process of delivering the goods intended for sale that was transported in a municipal bakkie at the time of their arrest on August 20. Northern Cape SAPS spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Sergio Kock said the Colesberg SAPS were investigating a case of the use of a motor vehicle without the owner’s consent and theft of electrical appliances. “Two municipal workers aged 49 and 60 years, respectively, were arrested in Craddock on August 20 who were in possession of suspected stolen…

The Speaker Dipuo Peters ordered opposition councillors to “put down their hands and sit down” during a heated council meeting this week when objections were raised over a security tender that was approved for the installation of CCTV cameras in and around the city. The municipal manager, Thapelo Matlala, stated that cameras were installed to secure the infrastructure at substations, water and waste treatment plants that had come under attack as a result of vandalism and theft. “We had to approve a deviation to respond to frequent electricity outages. For the first time, suspects were arrested after the cameras were installed.” Chairperson of the safety and security committee, Nomizizi Maputle, recommended that the item be sent back to the Municipal Public Accounts Committee (MPAC) for investigation. “Securing infrastructure has been…

Northern Cape’s René van Niekerk made an outstanding impression at the 2025 SAPS National Lawn Bowls Tournament held from August 18-22 in Mossel Bay. This performance marks a memorable debut on the national stage. Competing in her first National event, Van Niekerk delivered a series of consistent and skilful performances, earning bronze medals in both the Ladies Fours and Ladies Pairs categories, showcasing her ability to excel in team formats. In the Ladies Singles, she narrowly missed out on a third podium finish, placing fourth after a tightly contested series of games. Capping off a remarkable week, Van Niekerk was named as one of the skippers of the national teams – a prestigious acknowledgement of her leadership qualities and technical expertise on the greens. The Northern Cape bowling community has…

Kimberley’s Gofaone Mohurutshe once again proved that determination and resilience can carry an athlete far beyond their years, and over seemingly daunting obstacles. The seven-year-old golfer from the Diamond City secured an impressive fourth-place finish at the prestigious Junior Africa Challenge, hosted at the scenic San Lameer Country Club in KwaZulu-Natal. The annual tournament drew young golfing talents from across the continent, but it was the tiny figure of Gofaone, who plugged away at the task at hand, that was most impressive. Competing with a few disadvantages weighing on her, she faced significant hurdles, including a hand injury sustained during practice. Not only this, but she had limited equipment; without a driver or 3-wood, she relied solely on her 7-iron, pitching wedge, and putter – these obstacles might have overwhelmed…